Freshman basketball player Royce White asked to withdraw from the University of Minnesota, Gophers athletics director Joel Maturi said Wednesday, and his request was granted.

White, a highly touted recruit from Hopkins High School, said Monday he would withdraw this week because of frustrations from being charged with three misdemeanor counts of trespassing.

White, who pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment Monday, said he hasn't felt safe on campus since being named a suspect in the theft of a laptop from Territorial Hall in November. University Police sent the case to the Minneapolis city attorney's office, but White was not charged with theft.

White told the Pioneer Press on Monday he would continue to fight the charges at his next court appearance on Feb. 9 and that he doesn't plan to transfer to another university. He said he was putting his basketball goals on hold to focus on clearing his name and furthering his business ventures, which include a club promotion and music production company.

White has not played with the Gophers this season. He was suspended indefinitely by coach Tubby Smith after a shoplifting incident at Macy's at the Mall of America on Oct. 31.

"We are deeply saddened by the entire chain of events involving Royce White this season at the University of Minnesota," Smith said in a statement. "However, we feel like he will always be a member of the Minnesota basketball family, and want what is best for him and his immediate family. We wish him the best of luck.